Malaysia’s Sarawak grapples with rising crocodile encounters

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, August 4, 2026

The crocodile population in Sarawak has rebounded to over 25,000, leading to increased attacks that have resulted in 22 deaths between 2023 and 2025. In response, the state government is implementing measures such as hunting licenses and a reporting app to better manage human-wildlife conflicts and protect local communities.

In Sarawak, a state on the island of Borneo in Malaysia, communities are facing increasing challenges due to a rising population of crocodiles in local rivers. Once nearly eradicated in the 1980s due to overexploitation, the crocodile population has rebounded to exceed 25,000 by 2024, according to recent surveys. This resurgence has led to a notable increase in interactions between crocodiles and local residents, including a series of attacks resulting in fatalities.

Between 2023 and 2025, crocodile attacks in Sarawak have claimed the lives of 22 individuals, with five deaths recorded so far in 2025. One of the most recent victims was the son of Daniel Muking, the headman of an indigenous community. The incident has deeply affected the community and challenged a longstanding local custom of avoiding conflict with the reptiles. “It has eaten my child, so I have every right to kill it,” Daniel said following the attack.

The Sarawak state government faces the complex task of balancing the protection of wildlife with the safety of riverside communities. Deputy Natural Resources Minister Len Talif Salleh emphasized the need for careful management to address the coexistence challenges. In response, authorities have begun issuing hunting licenses and introduced a mobile phone application to enable residents to report crocodile sightings promptly.

The Sarawak Forestry Corporation noted that while crocodile encounters appear to be increasing, the number of attacks has actually declined compared to two decades ago. General manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran suggested that the higher visibility near human settlements may be due to crocodiles seeking easier food sources rather than an overall rise in aggression.

Authorities have also worked with licensed hunters and local communities to relocate crocodiles away from areas close to human habitation. In the case of Daniel Muking’s son, the community identified the crocodile responsible for the attack, and it was eventually hunted down, providing some closure for the family. Daniel expressed a desire to consume the animal’s flesh, reflecting the deep personal impact of the tragedy.

Efforts continue to improve coexistence strategies as Sarawak navigates the complexities arising from the recovery of its crocodile population and the safety concerns of its residents.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.